When planning for your trip to Iran, it might seem easy to assume that there isn’t much to do as far as souvenir shopping goes in this relatively lesser-explored part of the Middle East.
So you spend more time looking up the most impressive and unique places you simply must see during your holiday in Iran – the ruins of Persepolis in Fars, Chogha Zanbil and Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System in Khuzestan, Anzali Lagoon and Rudkhan Castle in Gilan, Katale Khor Cave in Garmab, Lut Desert in Kerman, and others that you can squeeze into your travel itinerary.
Then, of course, there’s the obligatory search for the best hotel and accommodation options in Iran and making reservations to make sure you won’t be stressed going there unprepared, without a place to tuck into for a good night’s sleep.
Now, back to the shopping.
When going to Iran, be sure to come prepared with a shopping list or, at the very least, a generous shopping budget. Why? Because, like all must-visit places, Iran has a lot of bazaars, novelty and antique shops, concept stores and souvenir kiosks.
But what makes shopping in Iran so decidedly a must is that they offer gift items that you can only find there. Here are five of them:
1. Persian rugs
All right, you can find Persian rugs elsewhere. But what could be more Persian than buying the real, authentic thing in the country where it is actually woven, and for a couple of dollars less, too?
Pure silk is the way to go if you’re prepared for a major splurge, or one done in a wool-silk blend.
But if you want to stretch your budget just a little further, you can opt for something smaller and less pricey yet still culturally authentic like a colorful kilim or gabbeh made from hand-spun natural wool yarn and colored with natural plant dyes.
These may be considered less refined alternatives to the sought-after Persian rug, but since they are woven without a plan, each item is unique and cannot be duplicated.
2. Pottery and ceramics
Fragile pottery and ceramic products are not at all unique to Iran. However, the Persian look and typical patterns used in local pottery work that come in the form of birds, pomegranates and horses are Iranian trademarks.
The Grand Bazaar of Isfahan is particularly known for the Persian-blue plates and chalices that are being sold at nearly every turn. However, if you wish to find more choice artistic pottery, a visit to Hamedan will ensure you get the best colorful and finely made choices at the most affordable prices.
3. Giveh
The giveh are handwoven soft, comfortable, pliable and durable shoes worn in most parts of Iran but traditionally associated with the province of Kermanshah, although Yazd is also another production center.
The handwoven cotton upper, traditionally done in white, is now done in various colors and patterns. The leather sole has also since been transformed with rubber as a less expensive alternative, although both options are currently available.
Extremely comfortable yet durable, giveh most closely resemble the French or Spanish espadrilles.
4. Turquoise
The beautiful azure hue of turquoise is something not to be missed in Persian art, architecture, jewelry and various handicrafts and ornaments. This is because Nishapur in Razavi Khorasan is rich in turquoise mines where this versatile precious stone is extracted.
Turquoise holds a special place in traditional Persian culture as it is believed to possess healing properties which is why it is used as a material for protection against the proverbial “evil eye.”
Aside from pure turquoise, Iran is also rich in rubies, agate, onyx and other semi-precious stones. You can actually purchase these ready-made as jewelry or fashionable accessories, or buy them loose to get them set later at your own jeweller’s.
5. Saffron
If you happen to be a foodie, you would know that Iran (alongside Afghanistan) produces the highest quality saffron known the world over. A kilogram of high quality Iranian saffron can cost anywhere between USD 1,500 and USD 2,000. But for home cooking purposes, you can just buy 50 to 100 grams which should be enough to tide you over until your next visit to the country.
With your precious saffron in tow for when you get back to your home country, it’s one less pricey food ingredient you can cross off of your online food shopping list.
But wait, there’s more…
Aside from the aforementioned, you may still have some time and the budget to shop for beautifully ornate khâtamkâri, ghalamzani and minakari products as well as their exquisite termeh, and sample Iranian sweets and nuts, and take home some of their local spices and a bottle of rosewater.
Whatever you fancy when you do get to Iran, make sure to take something special home with you.
AUTHOR BIO
Hamid Habibollah is Head of Content and Social Media at Snapptrip, a full-service travel booking company based in Tehran, Iran with a mission to empower customers’ choices in booking their whole travel online. Hamid is an experienced content marketer with a demonstrated history of working in the internet industry and a passion for new media.